My Top 6 Best Best RV Battery comparison and buying guide have been updated for this year.
Before you begin your RVing adventure, you need to ensure you have a reliable RV battery with you. Besides making the adventure smooth, it also gives you the confidence of having fun no matter the area you will go camping in.
In this article, I will compare 6 of the best RV batteries available for purchase this year. I have included specifications for each battery and user pros and cons. A list of definitions and tips for buying an RV battery is also included.
Best RV Battery Comparison Table
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you don’t care to read all of the best RV battery reviews and want to get straight to the best RV battery for the money, then here it is.
Ampere Time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Brand: Ampere Time | Voltage: 12V | Amp Hours: 100Ah| Cell Composition: Lithium-Phosphate | No. of Cells: 4 | Weight: 24.25 lbs | Dimensions LxWxH: 13 x 6.82 x 8.48 inches | Warranty: 5 Years
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Ampere Time battery has a lot going for it, making it an excellent RV battery. First off it’s a LiFe PO 4 battery which you can learn about here.
Let’s go over the specification of this battery then we’ll discuss performance. The Ampere Time battery is a maintenance-free Lithium-Iron Phosphate battery. It’s a very lightweight battery coming in at just over 24 lbs. When compared to lead-acid batteries with the same capacity you’ll find the Ampere Time battery to weigh 1/3 as much.
According to the manufacturer, it has a 10-year service life, which I personally have not tested. The battery is rated IP65 Level Water Proof, you can learn about the different water-proof ratings here.
The battery is also vibration resistant and can hold its voltage at approximately 12.8V to 13.8V.
Ampere Time 12V 100AH Independent Video Review
Another excellent feature of the Ampere Time 100Ah battery is the built-in Battery Management System or BMS. The BMS monitors and protects against Overcharge, Over Discharge, Over-Current, and Short Circuit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- LiFe PO4 Cells
- Lithium – Phosphate
- Lightweight
- Built-In BMS
Cons
- Some have reported battery goes bad after a few months
- Won’t hold a charge as advertised
- Customer service response can be spotty
Hardly any product is without its detractors and this battery is no different. Based on my research of online reviews, several buyers have reported the battery goes bad after a few months, it doesn’t hold its charge as it should, shipping issues, and poor customer service.
Those reports have been a small percentage compared to those who have found the battery to be quite acceptable and a great value for the price.
Optima OPT8014-045 Yellow Top Dual Purpose Battery
Brand: Optima | Voltage: 12V | Amp Hours: 55Ah| Cell Composition: Lead-Acid | No. of Cells: 6 | Weight: 43.5 lbs | Dimensions LxWxH: 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches | Warranty: 3 Years
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Optima OPT8014-045 Yellow Top Battery is another one of my top picks for one of the best RV batteries. Though the ampere-hour is rated at don’t 50 hours, I still recommended it for the following reasons.
When electrical loads are higher than normal such as an RV or the discharge cycle is more than just typical engine starting, this is an excellent battery to use.
Compared to the Ampere Time above the Optima weighs almost twice as much. That’s typical when you compare the weight of lead-acid to a lithium-phosphate battery.
Another good feature of the Optima is its low self-discharge rate. This makes the battery ideal for seasonal use. AGM and vibration-resistant and spill-proof make the Optima a true dual-purpose battery.
When recharging make sure to use an AGM recharger like this one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep Cycle
- Maintenance Free, 3X Longer Life
- 15X More Vibration Resistance
- Spillproof, can be mounted in almost any position
- 750 Cold Cranking Amps
Cons
- Recent bad quality for some buyers
- Amazon won’t honor the Optima Warranty
Optima has always had a reputation for being a good brand of batteries, however, in the last several months’ reports of quality issues have surfaced. This could possibly be due to the pandemic, but as of yet, it has not been confirmed.
Also, be aware of Amazon not honoring the Optima warranty if your battery should happen to go bad.
Why do I still recommend Optima batteries? They are well-made and well-designed batteries that provide excellent performance at a good price. Just keep in mind the warranty and the possibility of getting one you might need to return or get exchanged.
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Brand: Renogy | Voltage: 12V | Amp Hours: 100Ah | Cell Composition: Lead-Acid | No. of Cells: 6 | Weight: 63.9 lbs | Dimensions LxWxH: 13.1 x 6.9 x 8.6 inches | Warranty: 5 Years
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery was designed for off-grid application in mind. It has a low self-discharge rate of approximately 3% per month at 77 degrees F.
This battery is leak-proof and spill-proof, however, it is recommended you install it upright. Only install it on its side if absolutely necessary. Installing it upside down is NOT recommended.
The improved electrolyte formula ensures stable capacity and excellent discharge performance even at temperatures below 32 degrees F.
Corrosion-Resistant
The Renogy deep cycle battery is made with Pb-ca alloy, which has the strength to withstand corrosion. Your battery will, therefore, last longer as opposed to other cells in the market.
Strength Against High Current Discharging
If you have had a battery before, you agree that most of them are destroyed by high current discharging. For Renogy, it is optimized to overcome this challenge and give you long-lasting service.
Things To Consider While Using Renogy Deep Cycle Battery
- Always charge the battery with the recommended voltage and ensure it is fully charged.
- Refrain from over-discharging batteries.
- The recharge capacity should be 1.1 – 1.5 of the discharge capacity.
Paired with a Renogy Solar panel kit this battery will keep your electronics running smoothly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep Cycle AGM
- Sealed / Leak-proof / Spill-proof
- Low self-discharge
- Excellent for off-grid / solar applications
Cons
- Very heavy
- Reports of some units not holding charge
- Quality issues include battery just dead
- Poor customer support reported by several buyers
Overall the Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery is one you should consider especially if you are going to use it off-grid. Keep in mind there have been some quality issues lately, and some verified buyers have reported poor customer support.
Renogy makes a very good battery so I hope these issues can be addressed and corrected.
Windy Nation Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Brand: WindyNation | Voltage: 12V | Amp Hours: 100Ah | Cell Composition: Lead-Acid | No. of Cells: 6 | Weight: 66 lbs | Dimensions LxWxH: 13 x 6.8 x 8.7 inches | Warranty: 1 Year
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
WindyNation deep cycle batteries are specially designed to offer off-grid power. They are the perfect choice for RVs since most of the time you will be spending in remote areas where a dependable source of energy comes in handy. The sealed and maintenance-free design is suitable for recreation purposes such as RVing.
The battery also has a non-spillable design that allows it to be used in areas requiring the use of such batteries. If you choose this battery, you will always be on the safe side no matter the location of your adventure.
Despite the number of times the battery gets discharged and recharged it can endure for a long making it the best RV battery for people who want to enjoy value for their money.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep Cycle AGM
- Sealed / Leak-proof / Spill-proof
- Low self-discharge
- Excellent for off-grid / solar applications
Cons
- Very heavy
- Reports of some units not holding charge
- Poor customer support was reported by several buyers
The WindyNation Deep Cycle AGM battery is an all-around good battery with good performance at a reasonable price.
Universal Power Group Lead-Acid Battery
Brand: Universal Power Group | Voltage: 12V | Amp Hours: 100Ah | Cell Composition: Lead-Acid | No. of Cells: 6 | Weight: 58.9 lbs | Dimensions LxWxH: 12.9 x 7.7 x 10.7 inches | Warranty: 1 Year
- UPG #45978 UB121000 12V 100Ah
- Dimensions: 12.17 inches x 6.61 inches x 9.16 inches. Weight: 63.93 Lbs
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The UB121000 is a 12V 100 Amp-hour sealed acid battery. Overall it gets very good reviews from buyers. It is a heavy battery weighing 58.9 pounds and measures 12.9 x 7.7 x 10.7 inches.
Some positive reviews indicate this battery can last up to 6 years which is pretty good.
The price of this battery is pretty competitive making it one of our top choices for the best RV battery.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable battery
- Good performance
Cons
- Non-AGM
- No good for solar
- Heavy
If you are price conscious but still want good performance for non-solar use this is an RV battery to consider. If it had larger plates it would work well for storing solar power, but unfortunately, it does not so it falls very short for that type of application.
Best RV Battery for Dry Camping – Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery
Brand: Renogy | Voltage: 12V | Amp Hours: 100Ah | Cell Composition: Lithium-Iron | No. of Cells: 4 | Weight: 28 lbs | Dimensions LxWxH: 10.2 x 6.2 x 9.7 inches | Warranty: 5 Years
Last update on 2022-05-15 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This battery is expensive however it is an extremely safe battery due to the Lithium Iron rather than lead acid. It has an extended lifespan almost twice the length of traditional lead-acid batteries. Designed for safety- extremely safe Lithium Iron phosphate cells, fully sealed and sturdy waterproof housing helps keep the battery from leaking or corrosion.
- Extended lifespan- with more than 2000 cycles The service life is more than double that of traditional lead-acid batteries.
- Battery management system (BMS)- the built-in battery protection system optimizes battery performance by automatically balancing the cells and providing multiple protections against over-charging, over-discharging, over-current, short-circuit and over-temperature.
- Wide range of applications- widely used in RV, marine, and Solar applications.
- Low self-discharge- the Battery self-discharge below 3% per month, providing optimal longevity and shelf life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Top Performance
- Lightweight
- Safe Lithium-Iron
- Slow Self-Discharge
Cons
- Expensive
This battery is expensive however it is an extremely safe battery due to the Lithium Iron rather than lead acid. It has an extended lifespan almost twice the length of traditional lead-acid batteries.
If you can afford it is definitely the best battery for dry camping, if not one of the best.
Best RV Battery Summary
Choosing the best RV batteries for an RV comes down to what you need and how much you can afford. Striking a balance between the two can be done, but it will take some thought on what appliances you will be running and for how long.
I hope the information above helps you make an informed decision on the best RV battery for your camper.
Types Of Deep Cycle Batteries
There are essentially three types of deep-cycle batteries:
- Conventional Flooded Electrolyte
- Gel
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
Let’s take a quick look at each.
Conventional Flooded Electrolyte
This is your typical battery type and will be the most familiar. This is also the type that is most often shipped with an RV. you’ll need to check water levels and add distilled water when needed, corrosion often accumulates around the terminal post, so that will need to be cleaned, They offer fairly good capacity at a reasonable cost.
Gel Batteries
Gel batteries use a battery acid that is in the form of a gel. Because of this, they are leak-proof. Gel batteries are excellent for marine use but not so much for RV use. The reason being they must be charged at a slower rate and with lower voltage. Overcharging may cause permanent damage.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
Absorbed Glass Mat or what is often referred to as AGM batteries use a fiber type mat between the plates. The mat is 90% soaked in electrolytes. AGM batteries are more expensive than standard batteries, but they do have some good advantages.
AGM batteries are charged the same as standard lead-free batteries, there is no water loss, they won’t leak, and are almost maintenance-free, and it’s highly unlikely they will freeze.
What Size Battery For Travel Trailer?
The size of your battery in amp hours really depends on how much you use your RV battery throughout the day.
The higher the Amps Hours (ah) the longer you can use the power depending on how many amps your camper is pulling.
The other rating you want to look at is the Reserve Capacity (RC) this rating tells you for how many minutes can the battery deliver 25 amps of current before falling below the threshold of 10.5 volts.
The higher both of these ratings the better your option.
Are Lithium Batteries The Best Power Source For An RV If I Plan To Boondock Off The Grid A Lot?
This really depends on what is meant by a lot. A day or two is very different from several weeks. It also depends on your budget. Lithium batteries while lasting longer than typical batteries are expensive.
The Renogy Lithium-Iron battery above is well over $1,000. Sure you may be one of those that needs the amount of power a lithium battery provides for extended periods of time, however, the weight will become an issue with such a huge battery bank.
Personally, I would invest in some nice solar panels like these solar panels on Amazon and use AGM deep cycle batteries.
How Long Should RV Batteries Last?
If you are planning to purchase an RV battery, it is imperative to understand the lifespan of batteries and factors affecting their durability.
This is crucial to determine whether you are spending a lot of batteries or you are within the right expenditure brackets. Frequent replacing of batteries puts pressure on your budget. Batteries are essential RV equipment that does not have a specific duration for which they’ll last.
This is because there are many factors at play. However, on average, an RV battery should last between 4-5 years.
Not letting your battery lose more than 50% of its charge before recharging will extend the life of the battery.
Does A Generator Charge An RV Battery?
One of the worst experiences is the loss of power due to a dead RV battery. The life of RV battery power is determined by how well you charge the battery. Many batteries are charged by a generator with a 12v connector.
The following is a stepwise procedure on how to charge your RV battery using a generator.
1. Ensure the generator has enough fuel
2. Turn off your RV’s engine and engage the emergency brake to avoid an accident
3. Find out where your RV batteries are located
4. Check the batteries’ condition and look for any signs of corrosion.
5. Proceed to clean the battery terminals
6. If the electrolyte level is low, top it off with distilled water
7. Reconnect the cables and while ensuring they are on the right terminals. Use a wrench to fasten them
8. If there are any connections in your RV such as lights, turn them off and unplug all electric devices
9. Connect the generator to the RV battery system, so it can start charging.
